The 3rd annual Johnny Wales Coed Softball Tournament was held Saturday, July 17, at the Zachary Youth Park and was a huge success. Sixteen teams competed in the tournament which began at 9 a.m. and ended around 8 p.m. Congratulations, to Pride Posse; they were the undefeated tournament champions.

Beverly Wales, wife of Johnny Wales, former police chief of Zachary, was once again honored and touched at the amount of support and donations received in Johnny’s name.

Billy Wales, Johnny’s brother, cooked jambalaya, and Huey “Mann” Patin, Johnny’s son-in-law, cooked the white beans; plates were sold to help raise money for Multiple Sclerosis.

A very special thanks goes to Kevin Hinote from the Zachary Martial Arts and Leadership Academy, and his students, who held a board break-a-thon that raised $850 for a scholarship in Wales' name. That scholarship is given to a graduating Zachary High School senior. This year's recipient was Tori White, who is attending LSU in the fall. White says she is very honored to receive this year's scholarship for $3000.

The first recipient was Colby Coghlan who was also on hand at the tourney and helped serve up some jambalaya. Colby's scholarship four years ago was for $500. He also attends LSU.

The amount of the scholarship, says Wales' daughter, Terin Patin, has increased because of the money raised at the tournament. "Hopefully, each year the amount will increase, and the Johnny Wales Scholarship will be the one that everyone wants at ZHS," said Patin.

The Wales family is grateful for all the people who came out to help and support the tournament.

Special thanks goes to: Chili’s, Raisin' Canes, Sammy’s, Chris's Specialty Meats, Wing Stop and and Sidelines, who all gave gift certificates to all the participating the teams.

Dry’s Health Mart, Medical Health Mart, Affordable Tax Solutions, Danny’s To Go, Quality Lube, Bank of Zachary, B & C Sheet Metal, Zachary Police Association Local 838, Keycomm Voice and Data Services, LeBlanc’s Food Store and State Representative Tom McVea all donated to the tournament as well.

A total of $5500 was raised and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the MS Society Louisiana Chapter. The remaining portion goes towards a graduating senior in May 2011 at ZHS.

Thre’, Brandon and Terin (Wales' children) said this event is something special they look forward to every year.

They also said that they know their daddy is smiling in Heaven at what they have established in his name, but they also know it wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Zachary community.